Drugs A - Z

Zolpidem Tartrate Sublingual tablet

What is this medicine?

ZOLPIDEM (zole PI dem) is used to treat insomnia. Edluar is for use when you have trouble falling asleep when you first go to bed. Intermezzo is for use when you have trouble returning to sleep after waking in the middle of the night.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

depression

history of a drug or alcohol abuse problem

liver disease

lung or breathing disease

suicidal thoughts

an unusual or allergic reaction to zolpidem, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Place this medicine under your tongue and let it dissolve. Do not swallow it or take it with water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine on an empty stomach. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. If you have been taking this medicine for several weeks and suddenly stop taking it, you may get unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor or health care professional may want to slowly lower the dose. Do not stop taking this medicine on your own. Always follow your doctor or health care professional's advice.

Edluar brand: This medicine will help you fall asleep. You will only take the medicine right before you get into bed. Take only when you are able to stay in bed a full night (7 to 8 hours) before being active again.

Intermezzo brand: This medicine is used to help you return to sleep after waking in the middle of the night. Only take it if you have at least 4 hours of bedtime remaining. Place a single Intermezzo pouch by your bed. Store all other unopened Intermezzo pouches and other medicines away from your bedside. Only open the Intermezzo pouch when you are ready to use it. If needed, use one of the dosing time tools that come with your prescription to find the latest time of night you can take your dose. After taking the dose, leave the empty medicine pouch where you can see it to help remind you that the dose has already been taken. Throw the empty pouch away in the morning.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

What if I miss a dose?

This medicine should only be taken immediately before going to sleep (Edluar brand) or when you have trouble returning to sleep after waking in the middle of the night (Intermezzo brand). You will only take one dose per night. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole, fluconazole, or itraconazole

medicines for treating depression or other mental illnesses

other medicines given for sleep

some medicines for Parkinson's disease or other movement disorders

some medicines used to treat HIV infection or AIDS, like ritonavir

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Keep a regular sleep schedule by going to bed at about the same time each night. Avoid caffeine-containing drinks in the evening hours. Talk to your doctor if your insomnia worsens or is not better within 7 to 10 days.

Do not take this medicine unless you are able to get a full night's sleep before you must be active again. You may not be able to remember things that you do in the hours after you take this medicine. Some people have reported driving, making phone calls, or preparing and eating food while asleep after taking this sleep medicine. You have a greater chance of experiencing these effects if you take this medicine with other medicines for sleep or after drinking alcohol. Do not take this medicine if you drank alcohol that day or before bed or if you took another medicine for sleep. Tell your doctor if you are having any problems with your memory.

After you stop taking this medicine, you may have trouble falling asleep. This is called rebound insomnia. This problem usually goes away on its own after 1 or 2 nights.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. This medicine may cause a decrease in mental alertness the morning after use, even if you feel that you are fully awake. Tell your doctor if you will need to perform activities requiring full alertness, such as driving, the next morning after you have taken this medicine.

If you or your family notice any changes in your behavior, or if you have any unusual or disturbing thoughts, call your doctor right away.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

changes in vision

confusion

depressed mood

feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

hallucinations

memory loss

nausea, vomiting

numbness or tingling of the tongue

problems with balance, speaking, walking

restlessness, excitability, anxiety, or feelings of agitation

unusual activities while asleep like driving, eating, making phone calls

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

diarrhea

dizziness, or daytime drowsiness, sometimes called a hangover effect

fatigue

headache

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children,
never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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